1. Are there filters in the software for number of attempts?
2. If there is a filter for number of attempts, does it use the data filled out in the CAF or data directly from USMLE transcript?
No. You can filter based on what applicants put on the CAF, but as you mention below (and I discussed above) that's not terribly accurate. When I sort on official USMLE results, I only get your last score (if you have released your USMLE report -- if not, there are no USMLE scores reported)
3. Does the filter you mentioned about scores work if the candidate does not release their USMLE transcript to the program?
4. If the USMLE transcript is not released to the program, does the application appear incomplete by the software, or is that designation made by people reviewing the application?
If you do not release your USMLE scores, no filters based on USMLE scores will work at all. Hence, filters looking for high scores, low scores, passing scores, etc -- none of these will find your application.
There is no official definition of an "incomplete" application. Each program can create whatever filter they want to define complete vs incomplete applications, and that definition can be different for USMG's, IMG's DO's, etc.
5. What if an applicant just inputs when they passed in the CAF and applicant does not release the USMLE transcript, would the program know if this candidate has multiple attempts?
Nope, and neither would they know your USMLE scores at all.
The strategy he advises for doctors with multiple attempts is to not release the USMLE transcript to programs and just put the passed attempts in the CAF. He also advises to email program directors with positive points in their applications. His reasoning is that with multiple attempts, the applicant will not get any interviews and by contacting the person with decision making powers is the best way to get one. I have seen his advise on another forum, but I think this advise is mainly for applicants with 2-3 attempts on each step.
I was under the impression most programs will not offer an interview to an IMG without the transcript. I also was under the impression that Program Directors would probably get annoyed with direct emails at this time.
This is difficult to answer. I'm a PD of a univeristy IM program, and solid USMLE scores on the first try are a minimum requirement. I simply define complete apps as those with USMLE scores, transcripts, and LOR's all in place (MSPE's for most IMG's are not helpful). If you follow the advice above, you will simply remain in my incomplete file until the application deadline passes, at which point we inactivate you.
However, I assume you will be applying to community programs. I don't know how they would process your application. It would seem to me that hiding your USMLE scores will not help you in the long run, and that emailing PD's to try to get an interview is not going to be very helpful, but maybe it works?
6. What do you think of this method?
I think that if you have one poor score on the USMLE and then passed, you're probably better off simply releasing your scores. If you have multiple failures and/or your final passing score is low, then your chances of matching are poorer and you might benefit from the strategy above. It could easily backfire, though.
I'd be interested if other IMG's have followed this advice in the past with success.
